13 May 2019 | Tennis Queensland

Australian tennis legend and former Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald has visited the Longreach Tennis Club in central Queensland, as part of an initiative designed to unite drought affected communities through tennis.

After hosting community celebrations at tennis clubs across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, Longreach was the last stop on the tour which has seen hundreds of families in rural communities come together to remind them they are not alone during times of adversity.

 “The drought has exacted a huge emotional toll on farmers, their families and whole rural communities,” Fitzgerald said.

 “When I was growing up sport was the lifeblood of our town, and we really can’t underestimate the importance of bringing people together through sport. It plays a major role in the social fabric of the community and is so often the reason people come together.   

 “If we can help provide some light relief and bring people together through tennis, particularly when there is such hardship, then hopefully we can make a difference and have a positive impact on the lives of these hard working people.”  

 To help carry on the tennis legacy in Longreach, Tennis Queensland hosted a coaching clinic designed to upskill local coaches in the rural area with Fitzy.